Single-use cosmetic system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a single-use cosmetic system for storing and applying cosmetics, which provides a user with enough cosmetics for a single application using a single-use makeup insert that may be made of environmentally friendly material(s) and that may include one or more cosmetic items and/or one or more cosmetic applicators, and wherein the insert may be configured in a storage space of a multi-use container that may also be made of environmentally friendly materials. Once the one or more cosmetic items are applied by the user, the single-use makeup insert (and any applicators) may be removed from the multi-use container, thrown away, and a new single-use makeup insert placed in the container storage space.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate generally to a system for storing and applying cosmetics, and more specifically, a system for storing and applying cosmetics that provides a user with enough cosmetics for a single application using a single-use makeup insert that may be made of environmentally friendly material(s) and that includes one or more cosmetic items and/or one or more cosmetic applicators, and wherein the single-use makeup insert may be stored in a multi-use container that may also be made of environmentally friendly material(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is a system for storing and applying cosmetics that provides a user with enough cosmetics for a single application using a single-use makeup insert that may be made of environmentally friendly material(s) and that includes one or more cosmetic items and/or one or more cosmetic applicators, and wherein the single-use makeup insert may be stored in a multi-use container that may also be made of environmentally friendly materials. Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a single-use cosmetic system that is made from, in some embodiments, bio-based materials. In doing so, the single-use makeup insert of the single-use cosmetic system is quickly and easily biodegradable after disposal. And by providing single-use makeup inserts, which comprise cosmetic items in amounts that allow a single application of the cosmetic item, the cosmetic system of the present disclosure may reduce the total quantity of makeup containers needed to be carried and/or used by the user during special events, travel, or even daily use, etc. Advantageously, the minimalistic size and design of the container of the single-use cosmetic system also allows for easy storage when space is limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of a single-use cosmetic system in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view of one embodiment of the single-use cosmetic system in an opened position.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the single-use cosmetic system in an opened position.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of a single-use makeup insert of the single-use cosmetic system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the single-use cosmetic system in an opened position.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the single-use cosmetic system in an opened position.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary front view of one embodiment of the single-use cosmetic system.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary front view of one embodiment of the single-use cosmetic system.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a single-use makeup insert of the single-use cosmetic system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure is provided below. While several embodiments are described, the disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment, but instead encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In addition, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these details. Moreover, for clarity, certain technical material that is known in the related art has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up, down, back, front, top, bottom, interior and exterior. Such descriptions are used merely to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments. The description may use the terms “embodiment,” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms—e.g., the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to” and the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least.”

Regarding the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein, those of skill in the relevant art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular and/or plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

As used in this description, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.” The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated. The term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

The embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts may be designated by like numerals. The components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not necessarily need to be executed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor need the step be executed only once, unless otherwise specified.

Various embodiments herein provide a single-use cosmetic system for storing and/or applying cosmetics that, among other benefits, reduces the amount of cosmetic containers and/or applicators that a user may have to carry. For example, a user may be required to carry a plurality of different cosmetic containers when traveling away from home or for specific occasions, which is especially difficult when carrying a small bag. Thus, the cosmetic system of the present disclosure provides a user with enough cosmetics for a single application thereby alleviating the need to carry multiple cosmetic containers.

In accordance with various embodiments herein, a single-use cosmetic system 100 for storing and applying various cosmetics is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The single-use cosmetic system 100 may comprise a container 105. The container 105 may include a lid portion 110 and a bottom portion 109 that may be hingedly (or otherwise) joined to the lid portion 110 to create a closed space (not shown) in which cosmetics and/or cosmetic applicators can be stored. In some embodiments, a lid 110 may comprise a tab 115. The lid tab 115 may comprise a connector element (not shown), wherein the connector element is capable of securing the lid 110 to the bottom portion 109 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the lid tab connector element may comprise a slot, a rail, a flange, a magnet, an elastic member, a snap-fit, a clamp, a clip, a hook, or a fastener, and the like. In some embodiments, the lid 110 and bottom 109 portions of the container 105 are not hingedly joined, but rather the lid 110 portion of the container 105 may be formed to engage the bottom portion 108 of the container 105 and vice-versa.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, an interior surface of the container lid portion 110 may comprise a mirror 140 to assist the user in applying the one or more cosmetic items 125. In some embodiments, the single-use cosmetic system 100 may comprise a plurality of mirrors 140. A mirror 140 may be formed of any suitable reflective and biodegradable materials including, but not limited to bio-based material and biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material (Mylar®), and the like.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the container 105 may be no greater than the dimensions of a mobile phone device such as an iPhone, Andriod phone, or any other mobile phone. For example, in some embodiments, the container 105 size may be about 5.5″ H×2.5″ W×0.5″ D. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the container 105 may be no greater than the dimensions of a credit card. For example, in some embodiments, the container 105 size may be about 3.5″ W×2.0″ H. By limiting the size of the container 105 in this manner, the container 105 may be easily stored in a small carrier such as a small handbag, pocket, etc. that is only large enough to accommodate a mobile phone and a few additional items such as an ID and credit card(s). It is important to note, however, that many other configurations of the container 105 are possible consistent with the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the container 105 may be disposed of after a single use or after multiple uses. To alleviate any environmental impact(s) of such disposal, the container 105 may comprise biodegradable materials. For example, without limitation, bio-based material, bio-based plastic, hemp bioplastic, glass, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, post-consumer regrind polyethylene, biodegradable plastics, plant fiber, cardboard, paper, or any combination thereof. Advantageously, the bio-based materials may be made from renewable ingredients, including but not limited to sugar cane, hemp, corn, sawdust, microbes, etc., or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a container 105 that comprises a hemp material may further comprise any combination of the calyxes, resin, extracts, leaves, roots, stems, branches, leaves, and seeds of the hemp material. In an exemplary embodiment, a bio-based material of the container 105 may comprise hemp material having a high cellulose content of at least 50% and less than or equal to about 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In one embodiment, a hemp bioplastic may be 100% hemp bioplastic, wherein the 100% hemp bioplastic may be 100% biodegradable within 3 to 6 months. In some embodiments, the container 105 may be constructed of a high-density hemp bioplastic.

In some embodiments, the container 105 may comprise at least one identifier such as an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a single-use cosmetic system 100 may comprise one or more single-use makeup inserts 130. A single-use makeup insert 130 may be configured to include one or more cosmetic items 125 including, without limitation, lipstick, blush, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, foundation, moisturizer, glue, eyelashes, sunscreen, concealer, perfume, and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more single-use makeup inserts 130 may be sold in a combination pack, wherein each single-use makeup insert 130 includes a variety of one or more cosmetic items 125. These one or more cosmetic items 125 may be deposited on or incorporated into the single-use makeup insert 130 using suitable hard-pressing or liquid filling methods known in the art. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7A, to accommodate a cosmetic item 125, a single-use makeup insert 130 may comprise one or more vessels 126 in which one or more cosmetic items 125 may be correspondingly deposited. In some embodiments, a vessel 126 may be formed having a predetermined shape that corresponds to the particular type of cosmetic item stored within a vessel 126. For example, a vessel 126 for storing eyelashes may be formed in the shape of an eyelash, a vessel 126 for storing lipstick formed in the shape lips, a vessel 126 for storing eyeshadow in the shape of an eye, and so on. It is important to note, however, that any predetermined shape (including squares, circles, and the like) is possible consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the one or more vessels 126 may extend below a top surface 157 of the single-use makeup insert 130, as shown in FIG. 7A.

In some embodiments, the cosmetic items 125 of the single-use cosmetic system 100 may be configured to be interchanged by a user. Interchanging may be done, by way of a non-limiting example, by completely removing a single-use makeup insert 130 from a container 105 and reinserting a different single-use makeup insert 130 into the container 105. In some embodiments, the single-use makeup insert 130 may comprise an external texture that improves a user's grip during handling. Similarly, the container 105 may also comprise an external texture. An external texture may comprise, by way of a non-limiting example, at least one indentation, extrusion, printed pattern, knurling, rough surface, bump, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, an amount of each cosmetic item 125 contained in a vessel 126 is an amount necessary for a single application by a user. Once the one or more cosmetic items 125 are applied by the user, the single-use makeup insert 130 may be removed from the container 105, thrown away, and a new single-use makeup insert 130 placed in a storage space 160 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) of the container 105.

In some situations, a user may require a way to apply the one or more cosmetic items 125. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the single-use cosmetic system 100 may comprise one or more cosmetic applicators 135. The applicators 135 may include without limitation, brushes, foam tips, or any other tool that may be used to apply a cosmetic item 125. In one embodiment, an applicator 135 may be a multi-function applicator. For example, a single applicator 135 may be configured to function as an eyeliner, lip liner, mascara brush, eyebrow brush, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7A, 7B and 8, a single-use makeup insert 130 may comprise one or more receptacle structures 145 to accommodate one or more cosmetic applicators 135. For example, in some embodiments, a receptacle structure 145 may comprise a slot, groove, channel, cup, or any other predetermined structure that is capable of holding and/or engaging an applicator 135. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a receptacle structure 145 may be comprised of a predetermined shape, such as an inverted triangle, wherein the predetermined shape is configured to retain an applicator 135 in the single-use makeup insert 130. In one embodiment, the receptacle structure 145 may be located along a side edge of the single-use makeup insert 130. In an exemplary use, an applicator 135 may be slid into and out of the receptacle structure 145 (see e.g., FIG. 5). In other embodiments, an applicator 135 may be held within the receptacle structure 145 by a snap-fit configuration (not shown).

In some embodiments, a single-use makeup insert 130 and/or the one or more applicators 135 may be made of disposable and biodegradable materials. For example, bio-based material, bio-based plastic, hemp bioplastic, glass, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, post-consumer regrind polyethylene, biodegradable plastics, plant fiber, cardboard, paper, or any combination thereof. Advantageously, the bio-based materials may be made from renewable ingredients, including but not limited to sugar cane, hemp, corn, sawdust, microbes, or a combination thereof. In embodiments of the single-use cosmetic system 100 having a bio-based material that comprises a hemp material, the hemp material may further comprise any combination of the calyxes, resin, extracts, leaves, roots, stems, branches, leaves, and seeds of the hemp material. In an exemplary embodiment, the bio-based material of an insert 130 and/or an applicator 135 may comprise a hemp material having a high cellulose content of at least 50% and less than or equal to about 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In one embodiment, the hemp bioplastic may be a 100% hemp bioplastic, wherein the 100% hemp bioplastic is 100% biodegradable within 3 to 6 months. In one embodiment, the one or more applicators 135 and/or the single-use inserts 130 may be comprised of medium or low-density hemp bioplastic.

It should be understood that bio-based materials are currently subject to federal and/or state regulations. Nevertheless, regulations in effect at a particular time or in a particular jurisdiction may be adhered to without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For instance, federal law now allows certain low-THC varieties of cannabis to be classified as “hemp,” which qualifies for regulatory allowances not available for other varieties of cannabis. Products, whether recreational or industrial, derived from such low-THC varieties of cannabis are commonly known as hemp products. Thus, a single-use cosmetic system 100 made from a low-THC variety of cannabis may be called a hemp material, wherein the THCA (tetrahydroncannabinolic acid) content is equal to or less than 0.3% by weight. Unlike THC, THCA is a non-toxicating cannabinoid.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, and as noted above, to accommodate one or more single-use makeup inserts 130, a container 105 may include a storage space 160. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a storage space 160 may be formed of the space bounded by at least a first side wall 106, a second side wall 107 and a bottom wall 108 of the container bottom portion 109. As desired by the user, a single-use makeup insert 130 may be manually engaged with or disengaged from the storage space 160, which allows a user to store a single-use makeup insert 130 in (or remove a single-use makeup insert 130 from) the container 105. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a first connector element 150 may be formed from (or joined to) the container first side wall 106, and a second connector element 151 formed from (or joined to) the container second side wall 107. The first connector element 150 and the second connector element 151 may serve as a means to secure at least one single-use makeup insert 130 within the storage space 160 by adapting to join to the single-use makeup insert 130. In some embodiments, the first connector element 150 and the second connector element 151 may comprise a slot, a rail, a groove, a flange, a magnet, an elastic member, a snap-fit, a clamp, a clip, a fastener, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, a single-use makeup insert 130 may be engaged with or disengaged from the storage space 160 by sliding the makeup insert 130 along connector elements (150, 151). As the user opens and closes the single-use cosmetic system 100 from an open position (as shown in FIG. 2) to a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) access to the single-use makeup insert 130 is opened or blocked, respectively. It is important to note, however, that many other configurations of the container 105 are possible consistent with the present disclosure that allow a user to manually engage a single-use makeup insert 130 with (or disengage an insert 130 from) a container 105.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present disclosure the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A single-use cosmetic system, the single-use cosmetic system comprising: a container having a storage space, wherein the container comprises a first material; and at least one single-use makeup insert, wherein the at least one single-use makeup insert is configured in the storage space, the at least one single-use makeup insert comprising a second material, and the at least one single-use makeup insert comprising one or more cosmetic items, each of the one more cosmetic items having a quantity corresponding to a single application.
 2. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, the container further comprising: a lid portion; and a bottom portion, wherein the bottom and lid portions engage to close the container, and wherein the bottom and lid portions disengage to open the container.
 3. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 2, the bottom portion further comprising a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a bottom wall connected to the first and second side walls, and wherein the storage space is at least bounded by the first side wall, the second side wall and the bottom wall.
 4. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 3, the first side wall comprising a first connector element and the second side wall comprising a second connector element, wherein the single-use makeup insert is configured in the storage space by engaging the first and second connector elements, and wherein the single-use makeup insert is removed from the storage space by disengaging the first and second connector elements.
 5. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 4, wherein the first and second connector elements each comprise at least one of a slot, a rail, a groove, a flange, a magnet, an elastic member a snap-fit, a clamp, a clip, or a fastener.
 6. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein the first material is a biodegradable material.
 7. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 6, wherein the first biodegradable material comprises at least one of a bio-based material, a hemp bioplastic, glass, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, post-consumer regrind polyethylene, biodegradable plastic, plant fiber, cardboard, or paper.
 8. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 7, wherein the hemp bioplastic is a high-density hemp bioplastic.
 9. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein the second material is a biodegradable material.
 10. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 9, wherein the second biodegradable material comprises at least one of a bio-based material, a hemp bioplastic, glass, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, post-consumer regrind polyethylene, biodegradable plastic, plant fiber, cardboard, or paper.
 11. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more cosmetic items comprises at least one of a lipstick, blush, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, foundation, moisturizer, perfume, eyelashes, sunscreen, mask, glue, or eyelashes.
 12. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, the single-use makeup insert further comprising one or more vessels formed at a top surface of the single-use makeup insert, wherein each of the one or more vessels is capable of storing a cosmetic item of the one or more cosmetic items.
 13. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, the single-use makeup insert further comprising one or more receptacles, wherein each of the one or more receptacles is capable of storing an applicator for applying the one or more cosmetic items.
 14. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 13, wherein the applicator comprises at least one of a brush or a foam-tip applicator.
 15. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 13, wherein the applicator is formed of a biodegradable material.
 16. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 15, wherein the applicator biodegradable material comprises at least one of a bio-based material, a hemp bioplastic, glass, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, post-consumer regrind polyethylene, biodegradable plastic, plant fiber, cardboard, or paper.
 17. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 16, wherein the applicator hemp bioplastic is comprised of a medium-density bioplastic or a low-density bioplastic.
 18. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 13, wherein the one or more receptacles are comprised of an inverted triangular shape configured to retain the applicator in the single-use makeup insert.
 19. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 2, wherein the container further comprises a mirror, wherein the mirror is disposed on an interior surface of the lid portion.
 20. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 1, wherein the container is a predetermined size, the predetermined size comprising dimensions that enable the container to be stored in a small carrier.
 21. The single-use cosmetic system of claim 20, wherein the predetermined size comprises an approximately 5.5 inch height, an approximately 2.5 inch width and an approximately 0.5 inch depth. 